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Gadanec LK, McSweeney KR, Kubatka P, Caprnda M, Gaspar L, Prosecky R, Dragasek J, Kruzliak P, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A. Angiotensin II constricts mouse iliac arteries: possible mechanism for aortic aneurysms. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:233-242. [PMID: 37027096 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04724-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) result from maladaptive remodeling of the vascular wall and reduces structural integrity. Angiotensin II (AngII) infusion has become a standard laboratory model for studying AAA initiation and progression. We determined the different vasoactive responses of various mouse arteries to Ang II. Ex vivo isometric tension analysis was conducted on 18-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n = 4) brachiocephalic arteries (BC), iliac arteries (IL), and abdominal (AA) and thoracic aorta (TA). Arterial rings were mounted between organ hooks, gently stretched and an AngII dose response was performed. Rings were placed in 4% paraformaldehyde for immunohistochemistry analysis to quantify peptide expression of angiotensin type 1 (AT1R) and 2 receptors (AT2R) in the endothelium, media, and adventitia. Results from this study demonstrated vasoconstriction responses in IL were significantly higher at all AngII doses when compared to BC, and TA and AA responses (maximum constriction-IL: 68.64 ± 5.47% vs. BC: 1.96 ± 1.00%; TA: 3.13 ± 0.16% and AA: 2.75 ± 1.77%, p < 0.0001). Expression of AT1R was highest in the endothelium of IL (p < 0.05) and in the media and (p < 0.05) adventitia (p < 0.05) of AA. In contrast, AT2R expression was highest in endothelium (p < 0.05), media (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) and adventitia of TA. These results suggest that mouse arteries display different vasoactive responses to AngII, and the exaggerated response in IL arteries may play a role during AAA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Werribee Camous, Melbourne, VIC, 3030, Australia.
| | - Kristen Renee McSweeney
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Werribee Camous, Melbourne, VIC, 3030, Australia
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Caprnda
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ludovit Gaspar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Robert Prosecky
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne'S University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Dragasek
- Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and University Hospital, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kruzliak
- 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Werribee Camous, Melbourne, VIC, 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3021, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Werribee Camous, Melbourne, VIC, 3030, Australia.
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Atherosclerosis in Different Vascular Locations Unbiasedly Approached with Mouse Genetics. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11121427. [PMID: 33260687 PMCID: PMC7760563 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis in different vascular locations leads to distinct clinical consequences, such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Genome-wide association studies in humans revealed that genetic loci responsible for carotid plaque and coronary artery disease were not overlapping, suggesting that distinct genetic pathways might be involved for each location. While elevated plasma cholesterol is a common risk factor, plaque development in different vascular beds is influenced by hemodynamics and intrinsic vascular integrity. Despite the limitation of species differences, mouse models provide platforms for unbiased genetic approaches. Mouse strain differences also indicate that susceptibility to atherosclerosis varies, depending on vascular locations, and that the location specificity is genetically controlled. Quantitative trait loci analyses in mice suggested candidate genes, including Mertk and Stab2, although how each gene affects the location-specific atherosclerosis needs further elucidation. Another unbiased approach of single-cell transcriptome analyses revealed the presence of a small subpopulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which are “hyper-responsive” to inflammatory stimuli. These cells are likely the previously-reported Sca1+ progenitor cells, which can differentiate into multiple lineages in plaques. Further spatiotemporal analyses of the progenitor cells are necessary, since their distribution pattern might be associated with the location-dependent plaque development.
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Mushenkova NV, Summerhill VI, Silaeva YY, Deykin AV, Orekhov AN. Modelling of atherosclerosis in genetically modified animals. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:4614-4633. [PMID: 31497187 PMCID: PMC6731422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven, chronic inflammatory disease that leads to plaque formation at specific sites of the arterial tree. Being the common cause of many cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis makes a tremendous impact on morbidity and mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in countries with higher income. Animal models of atherosclerosis are utilized as useful tools for studying the aetiology, pathogenesis and complications of atherosclerosis, thus, providing a valuable platform for the efficacy testing of different pharmacological therapies and validation of imaging techniques. To date, a large variety of models is available. Pathophysiological changes can be induced in animals by either an atherogenic diet or genetic manipulations. The discussion of advantages and disadvantages of some murine, rabbit and porcine genetic models currently available for the atherosclerosis research is the scope of the following review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Volha I Summerhill
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative CentreMoscow 121609, Russia
| | - Yulia Yu Silaeva
- Centre of Collective Usage, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences34/5 Vavilova Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Centre of Collective Usage, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences34/5 Vavilova Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Alexander N Orekhov
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative CentreMoscow 121609, Russia
- Centre of Collective Usage, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences34/5 Vavilova Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
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Meester EJ, Krenning BJ, de Swart J, Segbers M, Barrett HE, Bernsen MR, Van der Heiden K, de Jong M. Perspectives on Small Animal Radionuclide Imaging; Considerations and Advances in Atherosclerosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:39. [PMID: 30915335 PMCID: PMC6421263 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review addresses nuclear SPECT and PET imaging in small animals in relation to the atherosclerotic disease process, one of our research topics of interest. Imaging of atherosclerosis in small animal models is challenging, as it operates at the limits of current imaging possibilities regarding sensitivity, and spatial resolution. Several topics are discussed, including technical considerations that apply to image acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis. Moreover, molecules developed for or applied in these small animal nuclear imaging studies are listed, including target-directed molecules, useful for imaging organs or tissues that have elevated expression of the target compared to other tissues, and molecules that serve as substrates for metabolic processes. Differences between animal models and human pathophysiology that should be taken into account during translation from animal to patient as well as differences in tracer behavior in animal vs. man are also described. Finally, we give a future outlook on small animal radionuclide imaging in atherosclerosis, followed by recommendations. The challenges and solutions described might be applicable to other research fields of health and disease as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Meester
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - B J Krenning
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - J de Swart
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - M Segbers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - H E Barrett
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - M R Bernsen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - K Van der Heiden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marion de Jong
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Molecular Imaging of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques in Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091511. [PMID: 27618031 PMCID: PMC5037788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is characterized by intimal plaques of the arterial vessels that develop slowly and, in some cases, may undergo spontaneous rupture with subsequent heart attack or stroke. Currently, noninvasive diagnostic tools are inadequate to screen atherosclerotic lesions at high risk of acute complications. Therefore, the attention of the scientific community has been focused on the use of molecular imaging for identifying vulnerable plaques. Genetically engineered murine models such as ApoE−/− and ApoE−/−Fbn1C1039G+/− mice have been shown to be useful for testing new probes targeting biomarkers of relevant molecular processes for the characterization of vulnerable plaques, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, P-selectin, and integrins, and for the potential development of translational tools to identify high-risk patients who could benefit from early therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the main animal models of vulnerable plaques, with an emphasis on genetically altered mice, and the state-of-the-art preclinical molecular imaging strategies.
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